Blackbird Interactive has acquired the full IP rights to Hardship: Shipbreaker from Focus Entertainment.
Released in 2022, sci-fi sim Hardspace: Shipbreaker was developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, who had also acquired partial ownership of the IP.
Blackbird Interactive has now bought the full rights from the publisher, making it the sole owner of the IP.
The studio also revealed it has “multiple Hardspace projects” in active development, which will feature “the studio’s trademark mix of evocative worldbuilding, immersive, physics-driven gameplay, and boundary-pushing design.”
In preparation for these new projects, Blackbird Interactive has opened registration for its LYNX Pioneer Program, a community-focused initiative that allows fans to “help shape future Hardspace and [Blackbird Interactive] original IP projects through exclusive playtests, behind-the-scenes development access, and more.”
“It is rare to have an IP that resonates so deeply with millions of players,” said Rory McGuire, president and CCO at Blackbird Interactive.
“So we are honored to have this opportunity to deepen and expand that connection through new games that explore the Hardspace universe. Shipbreaker also wouldn’t be what it is today without our friends at Focus Entertainment. We are eternally grateful for their partnership and hope to work with them again soon.”
Earlier this month, Lyrical Games, the new publishing arm of Lyrical Media, announced its launch and revealed that it will publish the next game from Blackbird Interactive.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz following the announcement, Blake Rochkind, head of Lyrical Games, further revealed that the studio’s next title will be announced at this year’s Gamescom.
Blackbird Interactive has not officially confirmed that its new game will take place in the Hardspace: Shipbreaker universe.
